Diagnostic value of the tuberculosis-specific antigen, CFP10, in renal tuberculosis

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the tuberculosis-specific antigen, CFP10, in renal tuberculosis lesion tissues through immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and to assess its potential value in the pathological diagnosis of renal tuberculosis. Methods: DNA and acid-fast staining, allowing for a comparison of the efficacy of these three diagnostic methods. Results: IHC staining revealed CFP10-positive signals localized in areas consistent with acid-fast bacilli distribution, though its expression pattern was more extensive. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between acid-fast staining and IHC average optical density. Moreover, acid-fast staining, real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction, and CFP10 IHC staining exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 4.08 and 100.00%, 83.67 and 100.00%, and 91.84 and 91.89%, respectively. Discussion: IHC detection of CFP10 may represent a supplementary diagnostic method for renal tuberculosis, especially in patients with negative etiological findings.